Date of Award

Spring 2021

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Amanda Murphy, PA-C

Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that results from the depletion of dopamine-secreting nerve cells. The mainstay of treatment for PD is Levodopa, a precursor to dopamine, which helps replenish dopamine levels in the body. However, this treatment is not curative and does not delay disease progression. PD, as an alpha-synucleinopathy, is hypothesized to have a potential pathway of disease development and progression through the brain-gut axis. This literature review investigated the effect of probiotics supplementation in the treatment of PD. Although the analysis of six articles demonstrated only one study with definitive benefits of probiotics supplementation in PD, it was concluded that probiotic supplementation should be considered an adjunct therapy in PD treatment due to its generally safe profile.

Additional Files

Tse Poster Presentation Zoom Recording.mp4 (11579 kB)

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Effect of Probiotics Supplementation in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that results from the depletion of dopamine-secreting nerve cells. The mainstay of treatment for PD is Levodopa, a precursor to dopamine, which helps replenish dopamine levels in the body. However, this treatment is not curative and does not delay disease progression. PD, as an alpha-synucleinopathy, is hypothesized to have a potential pathway of disease development and progression through the brain-gut axis. This literature review investigated the effect of probiotics supplementation in the treatment of PD. Although the analysis of six articles demonstrated only one study with definitive benefits of probiotics supplementation in PD, it was concluded that probiotic supplementation should be considered an adjunct therapy in PD treatment due to its generally safe profile.